Harmony in Christ
18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. 19 Husbands, love your wives and don’t be bitter toward them. 20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they won’t become discouraged. 22 Slaves, obey your human masters in everything. Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but work wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people, 24 knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong he has done, and there is no favoritism.
4 Masters, deal with your slaves justly and fairly, since you know that you too have a Master in heaven
Colossians 3:18-4:1 (CSB)
All relationships should be based on Christ. The apostle Paul encourages believers to demonstrate their faith through their interactions with others. The vertical relationship with the Lord must influence all horizontal relationships. Regardless of a believer’s position, role, or placement within the body of Christ, they should embody Christ's love and make Him the source of unity. Consider three truths that Paul highlights from this week's passage.
Live Out Your Faith. The apostle Paul emphasized that believers should manifest their faith in every relationship and moment in life. He was not concerned whether a person was a husband or wife, parent or child, master or slave. Instead, he expected each individual to live out their faith within their roles and let their faith shape those relationships. Reflecting on our lives, do we let our faith in Christ define how we relate to others?
Find Harmony in Christ. Paul recognized that this world often brings heartache and pain. He understood that worldly ways tend to divide rather than unite people. Therefore, he urged believers to seek their unity through their relationship with Christ. Truly finding harmony in Christ means establishing relationships on a solid, lasting foundation instead of temporary, worldly bonds. As we reflect on our lives, are our relationships truly centered on Christ?
Live the Gospel Everywhere. The apostle understood that the gospel should take precedence and influence every believer's life. He urged believers to embody the gospel in all areas—making the home a place of gospel declaration, the workplace a hub of gospel proclamation, and recreational spaces venues for gospel communication. The gospel should govern our lives and be our ultimate mission.
QUESTIONS
Why is relationship harmony rooted in Christ rather than the world? How would you describe the differences between these two approaches?
Analyze your life and see if any area is not surrendered to the Lord. Take a moment and ask the Lord to place you on mission in every area of your life.
